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Walk or Cycle to Work ... More
2009 Record Entries ... More
Walk or Cycle to Work
It can help with your race preparations ...
Extract from ... the Welsh Assembly Government ... A Walking and Cycling Action Plan for Wales ... 2009 - 2013
Currently only 29% of adults in Wales meet the physical activity guideline of 5 times 30 minutes of exercise per week. And only 21% of young people aged 11, 13 and 15 meet the recommended guideline of 60 minutes of exercise every day. It’s perhaps not surprising that surveys show that 57% of adults in Wales are either overweight or obese.
Physical activity can reduce the risk of heart disease problems, stroke and type 2 diabetes. It can also have a positive impact on general health and psychological well-being.
More walking and cycling - and consequently less dependence on the car - is also good for our environment. One of the main contributing factors to climate change is our heavy reliance on the car, even for short journeys. Research shows that nearly half of all car trips could be replaced by walking, cycling or public transport. As CO2 emissions from cars represent 13% of the UK total, making more trips on foot or by cycling can help in making the lifestyle changes needed to combat climate change.
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Walking or cycling has many health benefits. As a regular activity, walking is important in the prevention of:
- heart disease
- stroke
- type 2 diabetes
- falls, fractures and injuries (through improved strength and coordination)
- colon cancer
- hypertension (high blood pressure)
- osteoporosis
- depression
- lower back pain.
Walking or cycling also improves:
- psychological well-being
- metabolism
- muscle strength and flexibility
- strength and endurance
- respiratory function
- concentration and memory.
As well as:
- strengthening the immune system
- increasing energy levels
- managing weight.
So you can see that if you were able to walk or cycle to work it could perfectly compliment your training towards the Llanelli Half Marathon and other events, or just add greatly to your level of fitness while helping to protect our planet.
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Record Entries
2009 saw a record number of entries for the Llanelli Waterside Half Marathon. Over 1600 entries were accepted with many more unfortunately not making the cutoff for entry. Over 1200 turned up on the day to run the 13.1 miles.
Even the horrendous conditions could and did not dampen the spirits of the athletes who had to endure high winds, sleet, hail, some sun and sand storms before completing the course.
Almost all the finishes had broad smiles on their faces on completing the race. Even with the bad weather the athletes post event reviews, still confirmed the event to be one of the best in the UK.
The organisers greatly advise to enter the 2010 event early so as not to be disappointed.
